Obituaries
Carol A. Hectman, 77, of Orange, passed away on June 2, 2024.
In 2012, having had enough of being away from home, Carol became co-publisher with Steve of The Orange Times, now the Milford-Orange Times.
Carol A. Hechtman, 77, of Orange, Connecticut, beloved wife of Stephen Hechtman, passed away peacefully at home on June 2, 2024.
Carol was born on August 6, 1946 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Stanley Pekala and Evelyn Pekala (Galipeau).
After earning a two-year college degree, Carol worked in her father’s OB/GYN office and managed the practice while raising three children.
In addition to her husband, Carol is survived by her children Ronald Estabrook of Denver, Colorado, Devon Esparza and husband Joseph of Corte Madera, California, and Derek Estabrook of Victor, Idaho. Her granddaughter is Audrey.
She is also survived by her siblings Stanley Pekala and wife Susan, Robert Pekala and wife Chitra, Michael Pekala and wife Phyliss and Rick Pekala and wife Susan.
Carol first met her husband in Pittsfield, where he ran a furniture retail store. At that time Carol’s mother was quite ill from cancer, whereas Steve’s mother had passed away from cancer nine months earlier. This shared experience brought them into a relationship. Soon after, Steve sold his business and purchased a furniture store in Orange, DOMUS Contemporary Interiors. Carol started visiting on weekends, and eventually moved to Orange. They married on January 27, 1980.
In short order Carol became the leading force of the business; she was known as Mrs. DOMUS to many. She was a licensed interior designer with her services in high demand. She expanded the business and opened a larger store in Westport. With a design staff of eight, she made her mark as a true leader on the contemporary scene.
Some years later Carol was asked to help out a store in San Fransisco that was facing difficulties. She went out as a consultant with Steve, where they stayed 10 weeks. Another retailer in Pennsylvania asked for her help not long after, leading to another eight-week trip.
Carol’s next chapter in the industry was to become an independent sales representative, covering New England and upstate New York, a role she loved and held for 10 years with Steve. They put on just under 300,000 miles in the town car.
In 2012, having had enough of being away from home, Carol became co-publisher with Steve of The Orange Times, now the Milford-Orange Times. Her primary roles were to keep her husband on track and help the editor with the final edit. The role also gave her many opportunities to connect with the community in Orange, where she became well-known.
Carol loved her work with the Rotary Club of Orange, the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and other charitable groups and organizations. She especially enjoyed her time with American Legion Post 127 in Orange, where she would have dinner on Wednesday nights with her husband and other veterans.
Friends are welcome to join the family in a celebration of life to be held at noon on Friday, June 28 at Bin 100, located at 100 Lansdale Ave. in Milford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rotary Club of Orange online at https://www.rotarycluboforange.org/
To light a candle or leave a condolence, please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.co...
